Planning Your Destination Wedding in Mexico

06/02/2011 By


What do you need to know?

Destination weddings have become popular – and with good reason. They can be beautiful, romantic, and offer an exotic flair, if done the right way. With a destination wedding in Mexico, the “devil is in the details,” but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome if you go into it armed with the correct information, which is often provided by the resort where the ceremony is performed. Mexico is warm, culturally interesting, and can be inexpensive. There are miles and miles of beaches and many luxury resorts that cater to those planning a destination wedding.

 

Location, location, location

First you’re going to need to decide upon a location. Many hotels and resorts in Mexico offer wedding packages and you’ll want to look into what packages are available at what resorts and hotels. This is where price and availability will come into play. Obviously, you will need to work with the resort or hotel to come up with a time that you and your soon-to-be spouse, your guests, and the location are mutually available.

 

Some Resorts that offer Wedding Packages in Mexico


Riviera Maya

The Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, located right on the silky white sands of the Riviera Maya, offers a location of extreme natural beauty that makes a romantic setting for a wedding and honeymoon. The resort has professional wedding coordinators that can plan every aspect of the wedding from the flowers, decorations, food, beverages, entertainment, guest accommodations to catching you up on the legalities of a Mexican marriage.

This luxury resort offers three packages: the “Wedding in Paradise Package,” and the “Love in Paradise Wedding Package.”

The Wedding in Paradise Package includes a wedding planner, a room upgrade for the bride and groom, unpacking for the bride and groom and preparation of their wedding attire, welcome amenities, a couples massage, a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom, a wedding cake, sparkling wine for up to 17 guests, menu cards, up to an hour of photography, a judge or minister to perform the ceremony, a romantic dinner for the bride and groom during their stay, turn down service, and a complimentary anniversary night if the couple stays four nights or more over their first anniversary.

The Love in Paradise Wedding Package offers all of the above plus a romantic surprise dinner for the bride and groom, hairstyling and makeup styling for the bride prior to the ceremony, turndown service with rose petals, scented oil bubble bath, and champagne, a sparkling wine toast for up to 20 guests in Waterford champagne flutes, a live duo for one set, a specialty spa basket on the day of arrival,  a 10% discount (not including products) at the spa for the bride during the stay, and a cocktail party that includes canapés and a one hour open bar that includes premium liquors.

 

Puerto Vallarta

The Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is one of the most romantic destinations in Mexico. This resort offers beachfront view with crashing waves and lovely sunsets. This resort offers the “Crystal,” “Pearl,” and “Diamond Collections.”

The Crystal Collection includes a legal ceremony or religious ceremony with all of the needed paperwork, documents, and medical services, a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom, a centerpiece for the minister’s table, rose petals for the aisle, a wedding cake, a bottle of sparkling wine and petit fours, breakfast in bed the day after the wedding, and the services of a wedding coordinator.

The Pearl Collection includes everything in the Crystal Collection plus a sparkling wine toast, a sound system for the ceremony, a violinist or saxophonist for the cocktail hour, cocktail set up, a premium bar and Hors D’oeuvres, transportation from the airport, and a 50 minute couples massage on the beach.

The Diamond Collection includes everything in the Pearl Collection plus a DJ and a dance floor with robotic lights and a bubbles machine, and a three course dinner from the all-inclusive menu.

 

Los Cabos

Palmilla One & Only Resorts hosts weddings in its historic chapel. The chapel is located on a hill overlooking the beautiful resort and the chapel is typically Mexican in style with whitewashed arched doorways and windows. The wedding couple may arrive at the chapel in a horse-drawn carriage.

This resort offers a Celebration Consultant who can arrange for a Justice of the Peace or a Minister. There will be a private beach cove for the day that includes floating daybeds and lunch. The wedding couple will have private dinners for two for four nights, breakfast daily for two, private roundtrip airport transfers in a Hummer H2, and special rates for parties of 30 rooms or more.

Included are floral arrangements for the altar, an altar runner, ceremonial candles, and the horse-drawn carriage with a coachman and footman.  Optional arrangements include music, pressing services, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake and groom’s cake, personalized menus, private dining for the wedding party and guests, a photographer, and a celebration CD with photos of the ceremony.

The bride receives a manicure and pedicure, hairstyling and makeup by a professional stylist.

 

Legalities of Mexico Marriages

If both you and your future husband/wife are both foreign (not Mexican):

  • You will need both of your “Tourist Cards” that you were given at the airport
  • You will need both original birth certificates plus a copy of each
  • You will need to have had blood tests within 15 days of your wedding to check for HIV, Rh factor, and syphilis.
  • Both of your passports
  • If either one of you is widowed or divorced you need certificates of divorce or death certificates.
  • You will also need the originals and copies of identification for two witnesses.

If you are Mexican and marrying a Non-Mexican (or Vice Versa)

  • You will need the same blood tests as above.
  • The same information for the witnesses
  • A foreigner’s passport
  • The original and a copy of the Mexican party’s official identification including a photo
  • An original and copy of both birth certificates but the foreigners will have to have been translated into Spanish by someone proficient in the language.
  • You must have gotten permission from the Migration Office of the Secretary of the Interior.

 

What to wear

Many bridal shops now have special sections for destination weddings. Keep in mind that it’s warm and humid in Mexico and that you most probably will be married on the beach. You may want to look for light materials, and a dress with a shorter train (if you’re worried about dragging a train through the sand.) Hairstyles should be appropriate for a breezy beach and often veils just get in the way as they blow around. Shoes should be appropriate for walking on sand.

 

Things to remember…

  • Your wedding event is a vacation for the guests so plan events around the wedding. Research local areas of interest and you may even want to make up a brochure that tells the guests about things they can do before and after your wedding day.
  • You may want to provide small in-room gifts to welcome your guests that can include such things as lotions, soaps, candles, candy, or snacks.

And there you go! Now you’re ready for your perfect destination wedding in Mexico!

 

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Luxury Travel: Riviera Maya, Mexico

04/05/2011 By

What a fabulous place to visit – the Riviera Maya, Mexico! This beautiful, Mexican paradise offers something for everyone and especially for anyone looking for a luxurious, fantasy, beach vacation. Besides the obvious draw of the sun-warmed, white, silky beaches, there’s plenty to do here on the Riviera Maya.

  • Play golf while listening to the songs of the tropical birds on one of the many golf courses. Don’t step on an iquanas! The golf courses have been carved out of the jungle, are surrounded by lagoons, and overlook the shimmering turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
  • Swim with the dolphins in one of several locations that offer an exciting and safe experience.
  • Dive the Great Maya Reef – the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere.  If you love diving you’ll want to see the many subterranean rivers and the “cenotes” formed by water filtering through limestone in the shimmering, crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. There are many locations to rent equipment and hire guides and instructors
  • Visit Tulum – the only archaeological site located by the sea. One of the loveliest places on the Riviera Maya, Tulum combines the majesty and mystery of the ancient Mayan civilization with the intense beauty of the Caribbean. There are over 60 preserved structures within three massive walls at Tulum.

 

Where to stay: Experience true luxury at one of these resorts.

  • The Iberostar Grand Paraiso is an adults only, all inclusive, five-star hotel in Playa Paraiso. The Suites at the Grand Paraiso include indoor Jacuzzis, sitting rooms, a king or two queen sized beds, a dining area, and a hammock or swing. Villas offer spectacular views of the grounds of the resort, a king sized bed, Jacuzzi, minibar, safe and a small pool in the villas private garden! Eat in one of the resort’s four restaurants or its international buffet. And don’t miss the spa which offers massages, facials, and nail care – for either individuals or couples.
  • Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita offers luxurious oceanfront suites with terraces with direct beach access, Catamaran sunset sails, daily shopping excursions by boat, a Hydrothalasso pool, aqua gym, spa treatments, well consultations, anti-aging medical diagnostic consultations, and traditional Temazcal steam room ceremonies. This resort has 90 suites with large living areas and bedrooms, balconies or terraces, outdoor honeymoon showers, and private plunge pools. In addition, romantic mood lighting, in-suite tequila service, large flat screen TVS, and full marble baths are offered. There are three on-site restaurants.

There’s so much to do and see on the Riviera Maya! And when the day is over, pamper yourself at one of the area’s fine resorts.

 

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Escape to the Riviera Maya

04/03/2011 By

Built on sugar white sand and set between the warm, sparkling, turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean and the lushness of the Yucatan jungle, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is just 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport and 5 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers you nothing but luxury! The accommodations are all-suite and decorated in the style of contemporary Mexico. They offer oceanfront and jungle terraces, private plunge pools, wireless Internet access, 42” plasma TVs, in-room massage, whirlpool bathtubs and more – including more than 1,000 feet each of living space! The resort is divided into three areas – the Grand Class is set up for privacy and relaxation, there is a family friendly area, and an area that’s open to families and the best area for business travelers as well as it’s close to the convention area.

Grand Velas offers spa vacations for those seeking to be pampered in luxury that includes massage therapy, body wraps, facials, and a world class fitness center with classes in yoga and pilates.

The Grand Velas Convention Center offers over 90,000 square feet of meeting and event space equipped with cutting edge technology. There are 32 rooms for small gatherings and two large conference areas that can accommodate up to 3,000 people.

Dining at Grand Velas is a delight! There’s something for everyone from fine French cuisine, to traditional Mexican, Asian Fusion, Basque delicacies and family favorites like gourmet pizza.

There are adult restaurants and those that specialize in family dining. Enjoy outdoor dining as well. 24 hour in-suite dining service is offered and there are snack bars, poolside bars, and lounges that feature entertainment nightly around the resort.

The Riviera Maya is a one of the world’s finest beach destinations and the best of its exciting attractions are within minutes of Grand Velas. Visit Cozumel and indulge in scuba diving, snorkeling and more sun and sand. Take advantage of fishing, kayaking and sailing. Looking for adventure? Explore the jungle by horseback or try a zip line tour through the Yucatan!

Some of Mexico’s most ancient ruins are easily accessible to you from Grand Velas. Visit Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Coba to learn about the mysteries of Mayan life. Our concierge can help you set up a day tour.

Don’t forget to take advantage of Grand Velas’ special scuba diving vacation! The Riviera Maya is one of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving. There are many marine parks in both Cozumel and Playa del Carmen that offer protected habitats for the area’s many forms of marine life. The Riviera Maya is also famed for its many “cenotes,” or underground caves that have been carved out of limestone by freshwater rivers. Experts will guide you through the fabulous underwater setting. Other adventures include private sailboat and catamaran tours, diving courses, jet ski tours, kayaking and parasailing. See the concierge at Grand Velas to set up your tour of the Carribean floor. Visit the caves and shipwrecks underneath the Carribean’s blue waters, and even enjoy night diving!

 

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